UNC Suspends Basketball Arena Discussions to Focus on New Coach Search The University of North Carolina has indefinitely paused discussions about the future of the Smith Center, its long-standing home for men’s basketball, to prioritize the search for a new head coach. This decision, announced by the university’s vice chancellor for communications Dean Stoyer, aims to allow athletic director Bubba Cunningham and interim athletics director Steve Newmark to focus on selecting a replacement for Hubert Davis, who was recently fired after two consecutive NCAA Tournament exits. The suspension of arena-related talks will continue until the new coach has had time to establish their program and prioritize long-term success for the Tar Heels. The move comes amid a broader effort to eliminate distractions during a critical period for the program. Stoyer emphasized that the administration seeks to avoid any potential complications during the search for Davis’s successor, citing the need to maintain focus on competitive performance. Cunningham, who oversaw the firing of Davis, stated in a statement at the time that the university must “move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.” This sentiment underscores the administration’s determination to address the program’s recent struggles, including a lack of consistent NCAA Tournament success and a need for renewed momentum. The Smith Center, named after former UNC coach Dean E. Smith, has been the Tar Heels’ primary venue since 1986. While the arena has hosted over 500 wins for the team, including a memorable last-second victory over Duke this season, its outdated infrastructure has become a point of contention.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #steve_newmark #bubba_cunningham #dean_stoyer
University of North Carolina Announces Leadership Change in Men's Basketball Program The University of North Carolina has announced a leadership change in its men’s basketball program. Hubert Davis, who served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to lead the Tar Heels. The decision was recommended by director of athletics Bubba Cunningham and executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will assume the role of athletics director on July 1. The change was approved by chancellor Lee H. Roberts. Cunningham expressed gratitude for Davis’ contributions as a player, assistant coach, head coach, and community leader, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision due to Davis’ dedication to the program. Newmark highlighted Davis’ commitment to the university and his role in instilling Tar Heel tradition among players. Both Cunningham and Newmark thanked Davis and his family for their service to UNC. The university will honor the terms of Davis’ existing contract. A national search is currently underway to find the next head coach, with Cunningham and Newmark leading the effort. UNC has partnered with executive search firm Turnkey ZRG to assist in the process. The search will also involve consultation with an advisory group of key stakeholders, including former players, coaches, and supporters of UNC athletics. Davis, a former Tar Heel player from 1988 to 1992, spent 12 seasons in the NBA before becoming an assistant coach under Roy Williams from 2012 to 2021. During his tenure as an assistant, UNC won the 2017 national championship. Davis was appointed head coach in April 2021 following Williams’ retirement. His departure marks the end of an era for the program, as he leaves behind a legacy of success and community engagement.#university_of_north_carolina #hubert_davis #steve_newmark #bubba_cunningham #lee_h_roberts
Who's next at UNC? Potential candidates to replace Hubert Davis, their priorities Hubert Davis has been dismissed as head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, just five days after the team’s devastating loss to 11-seed VCU in the NCAA tournament. The firing marks the end of Davis’ five-year tenure at Chapel Hill, which included a national championship game appearance in 2022 and an ACC regular-season title in 2024. Davis, who had been on the hot seat after a 24-8 season and a loss to Duke in February, faced mounting pressure following the collapse against VCU, where the Tar Heels surrendered a 19-point lead in the second half. The decision came despite the team’s struggles with star forward Caleb Wilson’s season-ending injury, which had initially seemed to secure Davis’ position. The search for Davis’ successor will involve navigating several challenges. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham is set to leave his role this summer, with Steve Newmark, a former NASCAR executive, expected to take over. The department also faces decisions about whether to renovate the Dean Smith Center or relocate the basketball program. Meanwhile, the football team, led by Bill Belichick, is receiving significant resources and attention, which could influence the coaching search. Industry insiders suggest that North Carolina remains an elite destination for head coaches, with its rich history, tradition, and facilities. However, the current landscape is more complex than when Roy Williams retired in 2021. While the job is still considered one of the best in college basketball, the team’s recent struggles and administrative changes may affect its appeal. Potential candidates for the position include Billy Donovan, who has not coached at the college level since 2015 but led Florida to two national championships.#hubert_davis #north_carolina_tar_heels #bubba_cunningham #steve_newmark #bill_belichick
